Ferries-McDonald Conservation Park, park in South Australia, Australia
Ferries-McDonald Conservation Park is a protected nature reserve in South Australia, located about 20 kilometers southwest of Murray Bridge, covering approximately 842 hectares. The landscape is dominated by dense mallee scrubland, home to over 300 plant species and nearly 90 bird species, with natural sandy ridges running through the terrain from north to south.
The area was officially designated as a reserve in 1938 to protect birds and other animals after Robert McDonald donated his land for conservation purposes. The reserve was expanded in 1953 through a donation by James Ferries, which strengthened conservation efforts across the region.
The park is named after its two major contributors: Robert McDonald donated the original land in 1938, and James Ferries funded the expansion in 1953. The area was formerly known as Chauncey's Line Scrub and is still recognized by locals under that name.
The park is accessible by car from Murray Bridge, with a small parking area near the trailhead at the intersection of Ferries-McDonald Road and Chauncey's Line Road. There are no overnight accommodations or food facilities within the park, so visitors should bring water and supplies, and take all rubbish away.
The terrain displays natural sandy ridges that are remnants of the ancient Murray Plains, evidence that ocean water covered the region millions of years ago. This geological history is visible in the landscape today and offers visitors a window into the deep past of the region.
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